Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-17-2005, 10:36 AM (1 of 21)
|
I was attatching a collar last night & accidently hit a pin. My serger worked after for a while then it just quit stitching. I tried changing the needles in case they were bent but I can't get it to stitch. When I move the needle down there is a scraping sound. I really hope I didn't bend the shaft. I stopped as soon as it hit but I had to use pliers to pull out the pin. I went all the way through the threading & it is threaded right. Everything looks like it is right But when I try to stitch it won't make a chain I just get 4 seperate threads. I know I should probably take it in but I don't have any extra money now & probably won't for a few months. If I don't figure this out on my own I will just have to go back to the regular machine until DH gets back to work in the spring.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
|
From: sewcr8v
Date: 01-17-2005, 11:10 AM (2 of 21)
|
The issue for you is whether your blades are still cutting the fabric as you serge because when you hit a pin the damage is generally done to the blade where you can get a big fat knick in them. As for threading, remember there is only one correct way to thread sergers or they won't make a stitch: Thread the upper looper FIRST, Lower Looper SECOND; Right needle THIRD; left needle FOURTH. Never thread the loopers with thread in the needles as it won't make a stitch unless (you correct it first). Also, you can still pin when serging you just insert the pins parallel to the edge of the fabric and IN about 1.5" from the edge; if you run by a pin you won't hit it this way and it allows you to use pins which some people like to do. Sewcr8v
Keep the world sewing... |
User: sewcr8v
Member since: 09-05-2004 Total posts: 30 
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-17-2005, 04:59 PM (3 of 21)
I think I am going to have to take it in.  The stitch finger won't stay in When I stitch something hits it & it falls out. I did unthread & rethread from the outside in (like the directions say. Without fabric in I was trying to sew a chain & it won't do anything I just get a line of unconnected threads.. The needle goes up & daown & everything else seems to be going right but the threads won't connect. This has been a very good machine until now. Maybe I jinxed myself saying how good it was on another post. I know it is not the machines fault that I made a dumb mistake.  (I was reaching for the pin just as it hit.)
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-17-2005, 05:22 PM (4 of 21)
| Barb, before doing that try to see if your throat plate will come off. After taking it off see if there is a little screw that needs to be tightened that hold the stitch fingers on. It a very small screw. Mine was lose and comes lose sometimes and that's what I do. It's a tiny tiny screw that hold the fingers on. I've even had to hammer my stitch fingers back straight after hitting pins. Try that and see if it helps. The screw that hold the stitch fingers on to the presser plate. Let me know if that helps. It should screw on from the bottom of the plate, you don't see the screw until to take the presser plate off. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-17-2005, 05:50 PM (5 of 21)
|
Thanks Susie I foundthe problem with the stitch finger after I took off the throat plate. There is not a screw but 2 pieces of metal that hold it with tension, I had it next to them instead of between them so that problem is fixed. It is not the blades because it will cut the fabric when there is no thread in the machine. It just won't sew a stitch, Not even a bad one. I am going to try to find a Brother web site later to see if they have an advice line. I have read all of the instuctions & there was nothing on this problem.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: foxy
Date: 02-06-2005, 04:35 PM (6 of 21)
| Hi---I would say your timeing is out so u will have to take it to a dealer. They usually don't charge to much to fix the timeing. the loopers are out of place to form the stitch---that can happen when u hit a pin. |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 02-06-2005, 07:16 PM (7 of 21)
I should be able to find the time to take it in at the end of the week. This is a busy week. between work & after school activities I will be so busy that I don't think I would find time to even think about sewing until next Sunday anyway. I have been using my sewing machine more it just takes a little longer & I did get 7 quilt blocks made for the Advent BOM 1. I will let you know what I find out in case someone else runs into the same thing. 
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-07-2005, 05:27 AM (8 of 21)
Mom of 6..I also am a mom of 6  I hope the problem is not serious and your serger is up and running again soon. I never use pins around my serger and have posted to others as a warning..many say they use pins but are careful..a hidden pin can happen to any of us..so I just don't ever use them when serging. Please keep us informed about your serger.
|
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 02-08-2005, 02:23 PM (9 of 21)
|
I don't use my sergers very much but I did see somewhere that if you use pins, place them perpendicular to the edge and out of the sewing range. Sometimes I think I wasted money by buying these machines. (Also a mom of 6).
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-08-2005, 10:17 PM (10 of 21)
|
Wow, so many moms of 6..we should start a 6 pack club
|
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 02-09-2005, 12:34 AM (11 of 21)
|
Six pack club.....sounds like a fun thing to do, Kylynne. One of my six lives in Arizona. Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 02-09-2005, 06:12 AM (12 of 21)
|
What ages are your 6. Mine are 25, 23,20,18,16 & 13. 4 are still at home. the other 2 live within 2 miles. 4 girls 2 boys. How many more mom's of 6 or more do we have on the boards.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: mommydionne
Date: 02-09-2005, 03:49 PM (13 of 21)
Only 4  but we still get some good looks when out and about 
Jeanette
|
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 02-09-2005, 04:30 PM (14 of 21)
|
People used to ask me how many more I was going to have. I would tell them as soon as I figured out where they came from I would decide. That usually shut them up for a while.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: missvickie125
Date: 02-09-2005, 09:46 PM (15 of 21)
|
Well geesh , I only have one with another on the way...don't know if I'm qualified to jump in here.....heehee. Sorry to hear of your troubles. It sure sounds like it's out of time. I've done it twice. My local dealer charges about $80 for that repair service. I'm sure it depends on your machine and where you live. Good luck! Vickie |
User: missvickie125
Member since: 01-22-2005 Total posts: 7 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-09-2005, 10:13 PM (16 of 21)
|
That was one of the first things I had to learn when I started using my serger -- Pins and Sergers are not a good combination!!! So, to prevent costly repairs, I taught myself to use my serger minus pins of any kind. Use the temporary spray fabric adhesive, fabric glue stick, etc., but do yourselves a favor and completely lose the pins when working on your sergers. That's just a bit of my free advice and wisdom for the evening. LOL Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 02-25-2005, 09:01 PM (17 of 21)
|
Well I finally got it in today to get fixed. It is going to cost about $125. Timing is off & one of the loopers needs to be replaced. It will probably take 2 weeks because they need to order a part. I may trade it in for a better one but can't do that until my Dad's house is sold & taxes are paid. The dealer said he would garantee at least the price of repairs as trade in. The machines I saw there do look much sturdier than my cheap one. If I have the money I may buy a new one & keep the old one for a back up & kids to use.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-20-2005, 08:12 AM (18 of 21)
|
My machine isn't fixed yet. They called on friday & said the part wasn't available so they would have to order from somewhere else. It was going to cost an extra $60. My husband said don't fix it get a new one. He took me out yesterday & I ordered a Janome 744D. Now I am not sure I did the right thing. The girl told me about it & it sounded good but they are so new that they don't have them in stock & the picture/ brouchure was at the home show. I ordered it sight unseen. I didn't give them any money just my old machine as a deposit. The good thing is they will give me credit on a new machine for 1 yr if I don't like it & it comes with unlimited lessons & a 2 yr warranty for cleaning & adjustments. My old machine didn't last 2 yrs. I am supposed to be able to pick it up Wed. after work. I am going online to see if I can see a picture. What sold me is this one has a free arm & she gave me a great deal $1499. retail with trade in & special they are running I got it for $699. I am so excited I can't wait. Projects are pilig up in my mind that I want to do. Maybe Tuesday will be a cut out night.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-20-2005, 08:28 AM (19 of 21)
|
Well Barb, As some one suffering from the same problem you are, I think you did the right thing this time. That's what I am going to do. Get a new machine with lessons and support by the company and the outlet. They want $79 before they even look at mine. Phooey Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-20-2005, 10:44 AM (20 of 21)
|
I got the # wrong it is a 734D. I looked it up on the internet. I think I will like it. I couldn't find any prices so I can't check on whether it is a good deal or not . I went to Jo Annes to look also but all the lady there could do was talk down the other dealer. she wouldn't offer any trade in unless I paid to get it fixed first & they didn't have any prices on their machines. At least at the smaller store everything was priced even though they were willing to make deals. I didn't have to pay anything for my old machine since they didn't fix it. If I would have wanted it back instead of a trade in it would have been $20 bench charge. I have dealt with them before with my sewing machines & Vacumns & have always had good service this is the first time I have purchased from them. I wish you luck Dorothy. I would keep looking for another repair shop to see if someone else would be cheaper.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-20-2005, 11:14 AM (21 of 21)
|
I am going to try to find a repair shop. But first I am going to get myself a Pfaff -- I know the quality -- from the same place that sold me my sewing machine. The service there is fantastic. But I'll wait a while. I can do without for now. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-14733.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft